Backe on compassionate leave

COACH Hans Backe has not quit the club as reported in some quarters but returned to Sweden on indefinite compassionate leave due to an illness in his family. Kenny Jackett will step up from reserve team duties to join Eriksson and Derek Fazackerley on the training ground and former Blackpool and Leicester coach Ian Miller will come in to take charge of the second string.

COACH Hans Backe has not quit the club as reported in some quarters but returned to Sweden on indefinite compassionate leave due to an illness in his family.

Kenny Jackett will step up from reserve team duties to join Eriksson and Derek Fazackerley on the training ground and former Blackpool and Leicester coach Ian Miller will come in to take charge of the second string.

The Blues had thought of promoting from within or putting the reserves under the wing of the Academy but decided that they didn't want to disrupt the work with the younger players.